California Adventure

Entry 5

It feels like ages since I've written. Much has happened. If you've ever kept a journal, you can relate to how confounding it can be to select the most pivotal snapshots. It's like a dot to dot puzzle where the wrong pivot point can totally distort the resulting images.

So...where were we? Yes, I remember...I was in the park...and I stopped running...twas a rough night, I admit. As soon as the dawn approached, I cranked the mustang and headed toward Kings Canyon to find a more permanent spot...as I knew it was time to settle in. When I reached Kings Canyon, the ranger suggested a campground just a couple miles up the road in Grant Grove. As I rounded the bend, I discovered that there were actually several choices. I drove round the different grounds surveying the people and landscape. After circling for the the fifth time, I realized the ranger might start to get suspicious so I had to make a decision. I knew where I wanted to be...in Sunset Camp. However, not only did I want to be there, I wanted the BEST spot there...the prime real estate. About 5 spots sit atop a mountain of boulders on the edge of a mountain perfectly to the west. I was determined to have one of them, but they all had little yellow reservation tags. However, being the determined soul that I am, I decided I must be missing something. I knew there was a spot for me there because I felt in my gut...

Then, I saw it, there was a post with no tag. The only problem was that I could not see an actual campsite which corresponded with the post. I pulled into the parking spot and got out to explore. Sure enough, there was a bear box and a little area where one MIGHT be able to put a tent. Upon this recognition, I rushed over to the ranger station and put in my registration. Exhilarated to have discovered this hidden treasure, I unpacked my things and set up camp. About 30 minutes before dark, my neighbors arrived. I surveyed them from a respectful distance and said hello at what seemed the appropriate time. People always notice right away that I'm alone, but it has not been scary at all. The rangers here monitor the peripheries of the parks meticulously. One cannot enter any of the parks without being registered. Additionally, there are fees, cards to fill out, and fines for non-compliance. The rangers are welcoming and friendly while perpetuating a clear assumption that all will comply and respect the parks and visitors. Ultimately, I feel safe and extremely grateful to be visiting such an incredible place. Now, for the adventure...

My neighbors seemed nice, but they went off to bed that night uneventfully. Perhaps I was hoping for a little conversation, but I needed to catch up on sleep from the previous night so it was all for the best. I went off to bed and slept through the night. Early the next morning, I got up and started preparing for a long hike. First, I would visit the ranger station to get a topographical map of the parks and obtain some suggestions, I hoped. John and Yvonne (my next door camping neighbors) greeted me with more excitement than before...which made me smile, of course. Yvonne explained that her son John had come with her for a few days of hiking. John seemed quiet, but friendly. He approached and asked if I had a plan for the day yet. I confessed I did not.

Immediately, the two began to throw ideas out to each other as if it was their personal mission to send me off on the perfect expedition. Eventually, after learning about what type of hike I was anticipating, they were sure I would enjoy hiking the Jennie Lakes Wilderness. John eagerly flattened his map on the hood of my mustang and outlined the details. It was obvious that I was going to need that map so as not to end up in a predicament like the one at Onion Valley. I thanked him for his suggestions and headed off to get a map of my own. It was a busy time at the ranger station so I took my map and headed for the Big Meadows trailhead as John had instructed.

Three hours later, Jennie Lake was in view. This trail was bursting with variety. Each turn presented surprises unlike the previous trek. There were big trees, meadows, streams, rocky switchbacks, vast fields of dead underbrush and fallen trees, cliffs, and ultimately, two lakes (Jennie and Weaver). I only went to Jennie because going round the whole loop to Weaver would have required camping on the trail overnight. I had already reported that I would return to camp at dark so I couldn't stay overnight – else Yvonne may have reported to the rangers on my behalf.